Georgetown University

What you'll study

The MPA curriculum combines core training in public management and quantitative policy analysis with elective specialisms so students can tailor study to careers in government, non-profit organisations, international institutions or the private sector. Core modules typically cover microeconomics for public policy, public finance and budgeting, statistics and data analysis for policy, organisational behaviour and public management, ethics and legal frameworks in the public sector, and policy design and evaluation.

• Quantitative methods: applied statistics, econometrics foundations, data visualisation and use of policy-relevant datasets.
• Management and administration: human resources in the public sector, strategic management, performance measurement and operations.
• Public finance: budgeting, fiscal policy, revenue and expenditure analysis, and grant management.
• Policy analysis and evaluation: programme evaluation methods, cost–benefit analysis, and impact assessment.
• Electives and specialisms: students may choose electives in areas such as health policy, urban policy, international development, security policy, environmental policy, or nonprofit leadership.
• Capstone/practicum: a culminating applied project or practicum places students with a government agency, NGO, think tank or consultancy to solve a real-world policy or management problem.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining professional objectives and fit with the programme, and a CV that describes relevant work or volunteer experience.

• Academic background: a good undergraduate degree; coursework in quantitative subjects is helpful but not always required.
• Test scores: standardised test requirements vary; applicants should consult the school for current policy on GRE/GMAT submission.
• Professional experience: while many applicants enter directly from undergraduate study, some tracks or scholarship opportunities favour applicants with one or more years of work experience; executive or mid-career applicants may be considered for tailored pathways.
• International applicants: proof of English language proficiency is required where applicable, and international transcripts should be accompanied by certified translations and credential evaluations if requested.

Career prospects

Graduates with an MPA from Georgetown pursue a broad range of public service and policy-related careers. Typical roles include policy analyst, programme or project manager, budget analyst, public affairs officer, city or regional planner, nonprofit executive, and consultant in public-sector advisory practices. The programme's Washington, D.C. location and alumni network also facilitate entry into federal agencies, international organisations, legislative bodies, think tanks and advocacy groups.

• Public sector: national and local government agencies, regulatory bodies, public utilities.
• International organisations: UN agencies, multilateral development banks, international NGOs.
• Nonprofit and philanthropic sector: programme management, development and policy roles.
• Private sector and consultancy: advisory roles supporting government clients, public-private partnership management.
• Further study: some graduates continue to doctoral study or professional degrees in law, public policy or business.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown's location in the heart of Washington, D.C. gives students unparalleled access to federal institutions, think tanks, international organisations and NGOs, enabling internships, guest lectures and policy practicum partnerships. The university is known for faculty who combine academic expertise with public-sector experience, and for interdisciplinary connections across schools such as the School of Foreign Service, Law and Business that allow students to customise their learning.

• Practical learning: emphasis on applied projects, policy labs and real-world practicum placements.
• Professional network: extensive alumni and employer connections in government, diplomacy and the non-profit sector.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: cross-registration and joint coursework let students combine management skills with international affairs, law, or economics.
• Career support: dedicated career services and recruitment events geared to public-sector employers and policy organisations.